Irish Premier League

15th August

Coleraine 1 Glentoran 2

Dream Debut for Kelly

Glentoran recovered from a sluggish start at Coleraine yesterday to put their title defence into gear. Don't be surprised if manager Roy Coyle reaches Striker Liam Kelly a new improved contract, he deserves it.

The 23 year old dubliner turner out to be everything Coyle had hoped he would be and more besides delivering a first half goal and sparked a Glens revival and left Coleraine reeling. Kelly's performance was all the more remarable considering he hadn't played with the Glens before and only arrived at the Oval on Tuesday for the first time. The fomer Shelbourne winger said, I am glad it has worked out, I was a little nervous because I was unfamiliar with the players and hadn't started a game up front for Shels last season, operating on both wings instead. It was fantastic to score on my debut Glentoran are a great side and I hope I can convince the boss I am worth a go. Kelly was recommended to try Glentoran by Shels boss Dermot Keely who enjoyed a successful spell with the East Belfast club some years ago. The striker is on a 3 month trial and Coyle was smiling at his success, the lad knew what I expected from him and he didn't let me down, raved Roy.

John Devine was given a lot of abuse from the large Glentoran support behind the goals, and siad after the game, he was surprised at some the reaction towards him but was more disappointed about the result.

Glens keeper Alan Gough did well to take a header from Devine but then Coleraine suffered a double shock when Kelly raced into the box to guide Paul Leeman's right wing cross past teenage keeper Ross Murray. From the restart Stuart Elliott brilliantly curled a left foot shot past the young keeper with Kelly giving a vital assist.

Useful looking Coleriane newcomer Chillingsworth pulled one back three minutes into the second half with fellow debut striker Andy Robertson turning Mark Picking's cross into the path of the Englishman who steered it past Gough from 10 yards out. Two minutes from time after a series of Glentoran misses Scott Young beat Murray with a Freekick but saw his shot crash back off the shot.

Referee Mr Frank McDonald